Milan unmoved by Galaxy 'tactics'

Beckham has impressed during his brief stint with AC Milan

AC Milan have refused to be put off signing David Beckham, despite LA Galaxy's insistence the midfielder will return when his loan ends on 8 March.

Galaxy are unhappy Milan failed to meet a Major League soccer deadline to close the deal by Friday for the 33-year-old.

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani dismissed Galaxy's stance as a "tactic" and the Serie A club's coach Carlo Ancelotti thinks a move is possible.

"Galaxy has forced the situation, but there's time before 9 March," he said.

"We've still got 20 days to close the deal," added Ancelotti ahead of Sunday's Milan derby. "My wish is that he can play in other derbies."

With Galaxy and Milan at odds, Beckham and his advisors say they will consider their position next week after Sunday's meeting with league-leaders Inter Milan.

"David is focused on the Milan derby this Sunday. We will be addressing this early next week," said Beckham's spokesman Simon Oliveira.

BBC Sport understands that Beckham's advisors remain confident that a deal can be brokered next week despite the passing of Galaxy's arbitrary deadline.

Beckham has the option of buying out his contract and has a clause which means he can leave Galaxy for nothing in November, though returning to America for the remainder of the current season could put his place in England's squad in jeopardy.

Beckham had moved to Milan on loan in an attempt to revive his international career after England head coach Fabio Capello said he needed to be playing more competitive football.

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The England international, who equalled Bobby Moore's England record of 108 caps for an outfield player in Wednesday's 2-0 defeat by Spain in Seville, has become a regular for Milan since his arrival in January.

However, with England set for nine internationals from the end of March until October, including six qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, a return to the MLS could see Beckham left out of the national squad.

Milan, who have had a